In this Advanced Med-Surg episode, we review spinal cord injuries, including their classification by level and completeness of injury and the resulting effects on motor, sensory, autonomic, and respiratory function. We’ll explain the differences between cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral injuries, with emphasis on high cervical injuries and their impact on ventilation and hemodynamic stability. The episode reviews key risk factors, expected assessment findings, and priority nursing assessments, including early recognition of spinal shock and neurogenic shock.

Source: All information in this podcast is based on ATI Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing, Chapter 17